A01

• Who devised the baseline procedure to assess conformity?

  Solomon Asch
• What does Asch's baseline study assess?

  The extent of conformity to others' opinions
• In what year was Asch's baseline procedure devised?

  1951
• Why is the baseline study called 'baseline'?

  It serves as a comparison for later studies
• What variables did Asch investigate in his extended study?

  Group size, unanimity, task difficulty
• How did Asch test the effect of group size on conformity?

  By varying the number of confederates
• What was the relationship between group size and conformity rate?

  Curvilinear relationship; increased then leveled off
• At what number of confederates did conformity rise to 31.8%?

  Three confederates
• What does it suggest when conformity levels off with more confederates?

  Most people are sensitive to others' views
• What effect did the presence of a non-conforming person have on conformity?

  It decreased conformity rates
• How did the presence of a dissenter affect the naïve participant?

  It allowed them to behave more independently
• What happens to conformity when the majority is unanimous?

  Conformity rates are higher
• How did Asch increase the difficulty of the task?

  By making lines more similar in length
• What was the effect of increased task difficulty on conformity?

  Conformity increased
• Why might conformity increase when tasks are harder?

  Participants look to others for guidance
• What is the main conclusion from Asch's studies on conformity?

  Conformity is influenced by group size, unanimity, and task difficulty